Investment Q&A

Q: This question is about diversification and percentage of stocks vs ETFs. In my overall portfolio (combined tfsa, rrsp, and non-registered), I have roughly 37% VFV/ZSP, and the rest fairly equally weighted across ENB, KXS, SHOP, VGH, AQN, BEP.UN/C, BIP.UN/C, BNS, CPX, GDI, NVDA, RY, TEAM, VGG, TRP, BAM.A. I'm in my mid 30s and have a long time frame, but would prefer to position for short term performance as much as possible. So, with some cash to allocate, can you please recommend a couple US and CAN stocks to add to this mix (or recommend just adding to what I hold)? Also, given your recent market update on covid vs sector performance, what would you do with the VFV/ZSP allocation? I am open to moving that allocation to stocks instead of an ETF, and am wondering if I should take that path, and how best to position there given the big tech names/top holdings in the ETFs, vs some holdings across sectors that are currently down. Thanks!

Q: Hi Ryan, Peter
I am an income oriented investor and I want to increase my US exposure. I am looking for good Canada based ETFs that yield 3 to 5% dividend. I shortlisted ZDY, XHU and FCUD. I am bit concerned about their size, at least the last with less than 150m in net assets. Can you comment on these or suggest alternate ETFs

Q: I have 4 questions:

1. I have not diversified my assets outside the TSX and would like to do so. Between a TFSA, an RRSP, and non-registered account, which is best to purchase US stocks (for tax purposes)?

2. If I wanted to buy an ETF on the TSX for US exposure, what would be a good one?

3. If I wanted to buy an ETF (also on the TSX) for exposure to emerging markets, what would be a good one?

4. Would you buy an emerging markets ETF in your TFSA, RRSP, or non-registered account?

Thank you for answering my questions. The information you provide is very valuable.

Best wishes,
Terri

Q: Hi all, I'm concerned about some of my holdings based on the rising US Covid19 cases. As such would like to raise my cash position for the eventual pullback in USA market. Please select from my list the first to last to sell or reduce in order. Thanks for all you do.

Q: In my RRSP, I follow your Balanced Equity portfolio. I would like to add more US exposure, and for now, intend to do so buy selling some of my Balanced Equity portfolio holdings and purchasing either VIG or VGG. Of these, which should I sell to do so:

ATZ, AEM, ATD.B, BAD, BYD, CCL.B, CAE, ENB, GIL, GC, GUD, MG, NFI, PKI, SLF, TFII, WSP

Please disregard sector, geographical, and asset class allocation considerations in your answer. Thank you.

Q: Hi General investing question. I have both ETF and actual stocks that are in the ETF. Less than 5 years away from retirement so still looking to build my portfolio. What's your opinion on holding ETF to accumulate income or buy the actual dividend stock and get both income and (hopefully!) growth? Thanks guys

Q: Hi

In my RRSP would it be wise to replace VGG, ZDY, and ZWH with ITOT.

Looking for lower fees and growth.

Thank you

Mike

Q: Hi
Would it be a wise to replace the 4 mentioned above with ITOT in my RRSP.

Thank you Mike.

Q: I have full positions in the above except KXS and REAL. For available cash is there a stock that you like and would consider adding to this portfolio .

Q: Morning Team. Question relating to VIG (NY) vs VGG (TSE). From my review of both funds, it appears that the holdings are the same or very very close in both. So the question then comes down to currency. Assuming that the $CDN stays weaker as compared to the USD for the forseable future, what are your thoughts on either VIG or VGG as a core holding for the US market. Or perhaps both might be recommended to cover off currency. Many thx. Steve

Q: Hi 5i,
We are older retirees and have held ZWB and ZWH
in our RRIFs for income for many years. I just ran a Quicken report on performance and neither performed particularly well. I am about to switch ZWB for ZEB and ZWH for VGG. We can live without the monthly covered call income and I am assuming the replacements will outperform the covered call ETFs in a recovery. Your comments or suggestions are welcome. Thanks for the service.
Ted

Q: Hey 5i,
Despite the downturn and possibly another.
Dividends have been cut and some more are possible. Oil potentially being the longer rebound.
Is their a recommended best "overall" US Dividend ETF.
Overall taking into account Yield. Growth. MER. Somewhat balanced exposure and or limited oil holdings.

Great work as always. Thank you!

Q: Would you please recommend a couple of dividends ETFs issued in Canadian dollars - containing Cdn and or US stocks. The objective is yield more than growth with medium or lower risk. Thanks

Q: Hi team
I have about 40,000 in US dollars to invest
aim is to put 30% in US equity (SPY which I have a current position)
and put 70% to generate dividends and some growth (VIG which I have a current position)

it is going to be in a non-registered account, so I know that tax withholding taxes
is going to lessen the return (no intention of filing a US return)
can you give me 2 Cdn ETF (investing in US div stocks and
general market) equivalent to VIG and SPY ?
of similar returns and risks

Many thanks
Michael

Q: I am looking to position myself in a way that will benefit from a rebound, particularly in the U.S. economy with ETFs denominated in Canadian dollars. I prefer dividend paying funds with a strong technology component but am open to any suggestions for consideration.
Thanks, Calvin

Q: Opening an RESP for new born. What stocks (Cdn. or U.S.) would you recommend, taking into account safety and dividends. Obviously looking at a long time frame and plan to contribute $2,500 per year. Thanks for your insight.
Dave

Q: Most of my son's assets (all tfsa) are in the etfs zwb, vgg and vee. Would you suggest substituting any other etfs at this point with an eye to catching the rebound? Thank you.

Q: I have the following securities in what I consider a balanced portfolio. The fixed income portion doesn’t show here because it consists of OAS. CCP. Plus two other pensions.
I’m thinking of sell part position in MMX ( small loss);and ARE to realize a capital loss while at the same time raising some cash for the next pullback. I like TFII . We need to keep the food chain moving. Trucking an important part . The other is cargo jet. Am I on the right track . Your opinion. Or would you look elsewhere given the current holdings.

Q: I'm thinking of switching etf's, selling VGG and buying VSP to take advantage of tax loss selling (VGG) and also buying into a CAN dollar hedged fund as the CAN dollar has taken a beating lately and should rebound looking forward, appreciate your professional opinion? Thank you!

Q: I'm thinking of switching etf's, selling VGG and buying VSP to take advantage of tax loss selling (VGG) and also buying into a CAN dollar hedged fund as the CAN dollar has taken a beating lately and should rebound looking forward, appreciate your professional opinion? Thank you!